Why Palawan Is the Philippines' Crown Jewel
Palawan consistently ranks among the world's top island destinations — and for good reason. Stretching over 1,700 kilometers from Mindoro to Borneo, this long, narrow province is home to dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in Southeast Asia.
Whether you're a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler, Palawan has something extraordinary to offer. Here's a breakdown of the must-visit beaches and areas across the island.
El Nido: The Postcard-Perfect Lagoons
El Nido is arguably Palawan's most famous destination. Located at the northern tip of the main island, it's the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago — a cluster of over 45 islands and islets.
- Big Lagoon: Accessible only by kayak at low tide, it features towering limestone walls and emerald water.
- Small Lagoon: A calm, enclosed pool ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Secret Lagoon: Hidden behind a small hole in the rock — one of El Nido's most iconic spots.
- Nacpan Beach: A 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand, less crowded than the main town area.
Tip: Book island-hopping tours (Tours A, B, C, or D) from El Nido town. Tour A covers the most popular lagoons; Tour C offers better snorkeling sites.
Coron: Wreck Diving and Freshwater Lakes
Coron, located in northern Palawan's Calamian Group of Islands, is a completely different experience from El Nido. It's world-renowned for wreck diving — the area contains over a dozen Japanese warships sunk during World War II.
- Kayangan Lake: Often called the cleanest lake in Asia, it sits inside a dramatic limestone bowl.
- Twin Lagoon: Two separate lagoons connected by a small underwater passage.
- Barracuda Lake: A thermocline lake where water temperature changes sharply at different depths — beloved by divers.
- Malcapuya Island: Pristine white sand beach with vibrant coral just offshore.
Puerto Princesa: The Underground River
Puerto Princesa is Palawan's capital and the most accessible entry point. Its biggest draw is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
The underground river stretches around 8 kilometers through a cave system filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Tours are by paddle boat, and permits must be booked in advance.
How to Get to Palawan
- By Air: Flights operate daily from Manila (NAIA) to Puerto Princesa, El Nido (Lio Airport), and Coron (Busuanga Airport).
- By Sea: RORO ferries connect Manila to Puerto Princesa — a scenic but lengthy option (about 2 days).
- Inter-island: Fast ferries and small aircraft connect El Nido and Coron to each other and to Puerto Princesa.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from November to May is ideal for visiting Palawan. June through October brings the southwest monsoon (habagat), which can cause rough seas and make island-hopping difficult or impossible.
Practical Tips
- Book accommodations early, especially during Holy Week and December–January peak season.
- Bring cash — ATMs are limited in El Nido and Coron.
- Respect marine sanctuaries: no touching coral, no feeding fish.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.
- Environmental fees are charged in El Nido and Coron — budget for these.